Paddling Käkkälöjoki River with Hetta Huskies in Enontekiö
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic physical fitness suitable for spending several hours paddling and carrying gear at portages.
Overview
Paddle the gentle 38km stretch of Käkkälöjoki River with Hetta Huskies in Lapland. This easygoing trip through protected marshlands offers wilderness cabins, expert guidance, and a true Arctic experience.
Käkkälöjoki River
1 or 2 days | €95 - €325 | Facilitated or Guided | Canoe or Kayak
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Käkkälöjoki River
Rates
Facilitated: Canoe or Kayak, 1 day: € 95 / person Canoe or Kayak, 2 days: € 135 / person Single supplement: €75
Guided: Canoe or Kayak, 1 day: € 205 / person Canoe or Kayak, 2 days: € 325 / person
Price Includes
Canoe/kayak, paddles, buoyancy aids, car transfer to agreed put-in point with equipment, and from take-out point. Guided trips include an experienced guide, meals, & accommodation overnight at our wilderness hut on the 2-day option.
This source of this gentle beginner's river is near the Norwegian border but most people paddle a 38km section between Kalmakaltio and Siltakoski through the Saaravuoma-Koskisenvuoma marshland protection area on the south-eastern side of the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area. The river drops only 25m in altitude along its 38km length and provides easy paddling from early summer to August.
The journey can be completed in one long day by experienced paddlers. However, for most people it is a more enjoyable 2-day (or 3-day with children) trip with an overnight in a wilderness cabin.
The Kalmakaltio open wilderness hut and Nallatupa are on the banks of the River Käkkälöjoki.
Kalmakautio can be reached by driving 14.5km along a dirt road from the village of Nunnanen (which is c.20km from the main Peltovuoma road and the standard take-out at Siltakoski).
Those who want to extend their journey can do so by continuing on for a further 27km from Siltakoski to Ketomella although it is worth noting that this section includes the Haarakoski Rapids at the junction of the Käkkälöjoki and Ounasjoki rivers.
As always, the guided price for the 38km journey includes the rent of the canoe, paddle and buoyancy aid, transfer to the put-in transfers, food, guiding and hut accommodation when the trip is being made across two days.
The facilitated journey prices include map support, canoe and kit hire and transfers to the put-in and take-out.
Adventure Tips
Plan for Calm, Slow Currents
The river drops only 25m over 38km, so expect slow-moving water ideal for beginners but stay alert near rapids on extended routes.
Book Early for Wilderness Cabin Stays
Overnight spots at Kalmakaltio and Nallatupa are limited and popular—reserve well in advance to secure accommodation.
Prepare for Mosquito Season
Summertime paddlers should bring effective insect repellent, especially during dusk hours in marshy areas.
Transfer Logistics Are Included
Hetta Huskies provides car transfers to put-in and from take-out points, easing movement and minimizing hassle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Beavers active along riverbanks
- Ospreys fishing over slow currents
History
The area near the Norwegian border has been traditionally used by Sámi reindeer herders, reflecting deep cultural ties to the land.
Conservation
Hetta Huskies emphasizes low-impact travel practices to protect the delicate marshland habitat and water quality of the river corridor.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rovaniemi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Rain showers are common; a waterproof jacket keeps you dry and comfortable on the water.
summer specific
Insect Repellent
Essential during mosquito season to avoid bites around marshy stretches.
summer specific
Dry Bag
Protects your gear and clothing from river spray and wet conditions.
Comfortable Paddling Gloves
Keeps hands warm and minimizes blisters during longer paddling stretches.
spring|fall specific